Welcome to the Land of Vikings
ITINERARY
Welcome to Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland and starting point of our Arctic expedition! After checking into your hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the itinerary, you will be free to explore this attractive, friendly, and quintessentially Nordic city.
Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, Reykjavík combines the charm of a small coastal city with a vibrant cultural scene and rich Nordic heritage. Take your time to wander through its colorful streets, admire the distinctive architecture, or discover the city's welcoming cafés and restaurants. With its unique atmosphere and fascinating history, Reykjavík offers a wonderful introduction to Iceland and the Arctic adventure ahead.
After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to explore Reykjavík at your own pace. Stroll through the colorful streets, enjoy the city's charming cafés, or browse local shops for souvenirs and last-minute essentials before your Arctic adventure.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier, where we will warmly welcome you aboard the expedition ship Sea Spirit. Settle into your spacious suite and explore your new home at sea. As our voyage begins, meet your expedition team and enjoy informative briefings about the adventures ahead. Later, relax over your first dinner on board and take in the coastal scenery from the ship’s open decks, keeping an eye out for whales that may be spotted in the surrounding waters.
Enjoy a few days at sea as we make our way towards the spectacular landscapes of West Greenland. Keep watch for whales and seabirds from the ship’s open decks while taking in the vast seascapes of the North Atlantic. Our expedition team will introduce you to the fascinating world of polar exploration through informative briefings and engaging presentations by our expert lecturers. Discover the region’s unique wildlife, geology, and rich Inuit cultural heritage as we prepare for the adventures ahead. These days at sea offer the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of the Arctic and gain a deeper understanding of the remarkable places we are about to explore.
Over the coming days, we will explore the spectacular coastlines of southern and western Greenland, a region of magnificent fjords, towering mountains, drifting icebergs, and remote Inuit settlements. Here, some of the Arctic’s most impressive landscapes meet a fascinating cultural heritage shaped by centuries of life in the Far North.
Over the coming days, we explore the spectacular coastlines of southern and western Greenland, a region of magnificent fjords, towering mountains, drifting icebergs, and remote Inuit settlements. Here, some of the Arctic’s most impressive landscapes meet a fascinating cultural heritage shaped by centuries of life in the Far North.
Our journey takes us towards Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord, (also known in Danish as Evighedsfjorde), a rarely visited corner of Greenland where steep mountain walls rise above the water and waterfalls cascade down rugged cliffs. This remote wilderness captures the extraordinary beauty and isolation that make Arctic exploration so rewarding.
As we round Cape Farewell, Greenland’s southernmost point, we approach Aappilattoq, a small settlement nestled beneath towering mountains. Its colorful houses, set against a dramatic Arctic backdrop, offer a glimpse into life in one of Greenland’s most isolated communities.
The region also reveals fascinating traces of Greenland’s Norse past. At Hvalsey, the remarkably preserved ruins of a medieval stone church stand amid green hills and fjord scenery, recalling the settlers who lived here centuries ago. Nearby Qaqortoq, with its colorful houses scattered across the hillside, offers a different perspective on Greenlandic culture and history.
Continuing north along the coast, we reach the region of Paamiut, known for its historic wooden church and the white-tailed eagles that inhabit the surrounding landscapes. The nearby waters are also frequented by humpback and fin whales, adding to the possibilities for wildlife encounters along our journey.
In this remote environment, Zodiac cruising and shore landings may allow us to discover Greenland’s landscapes and cultural heritage more closely. This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our precise route and exploration opportunities will be shaped by weather, ice, and sea conditions, with our experienced captain and expedition leader continually adapting plans to make the most of this extraordinary Arctic wilderness.
One of the highlights is Ilulissat, aptly known as the “City of Icebergs.” The nearby Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is fed by one of the world’s fastest-moving and most active glaciers. Massive icebergs of extraordinary shapes and sizes fill the fjord, creating one of the Arctic’s most impressive natural spectacles. A walk to the historic settlement of Sermermiut may reward us with spectacular views over the ice-filled waters. Ilulissat is also the birthplace of renowned polar explorer Knud Rasmussen, whose life and expeditions are celebrated in a local museum.
Another fascinating destination is Eqip Sermia Glacier, where an immense wall of ice rises above the sea. This active glacier is known for its calving activity, as great blocks of ice break away from its front and fall into the water.
Throughout our time in Disko Bay, our experienced expedition team will adapt our plans to make the most of the opportunities offered by this extraordinary Arctic environment.
Located just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is Greenland’s second-largest town, where modern life blends with centuries-old Inuit traditions. Surrounded by rugged mountains and Arctic wilderness, this colorful coastal community retains a strong connection to hunting, fishing, and life at sea. Its historic buildings and local museum offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s cultural heritage and maritime history.
After breakfast, we say farewell to Sea Spirit and our fellow travelers in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland and the final destination of our Arctic expedition. A transfer to the airport will be arranged for your onward journey.
Important:
Itinerary, landings and all other activities during the cruise depend strongly on ice and weather conditions and are subject to the decisions of the Expedition Leader and the Captain of the vessel. Encounters with any mentioned wildlife cannot be guaranteed.